Ex-Duck Lyerla busted for cocaine

Colt Lyerla, who just left the University of Oregon's football team, was arrested for possession of cocaine Wednesday.

Lane County investigators were working on a different case when they said they spotted Lyerla, 20, snorting a white substance in a parked car. He allegedly admitted he was using cocaine and was arrested near his apartment, authorities said.

On Oct. 18, the university announced that Lyerla quit the team and left the school on Oct. 6. His departure follows his missing two games this season, including one because of a suspension for violating team rules.

But Senior Associate Athletic Director Craig Pintens confirmed team officials knew Lyerla, a talented tight end who was born in Hillsboro and attended Hillsboro High School, had problems last year, too, the Portland Tribune reported.

According to the report, the three men originally intended to prosecute Lyerla for physical harassment. They changed their minds a few days later, however, and the police suspended their investigation.

Lyerla grew up in Hillsboro, where he was an outstanding high school football player.